Chapter 19: Exposure

Two days after Sallie and I emerged from our bedroom, we were ready for visitors at the house. Zach’s mother Delia had sent an entire crew. Our living room would be temporarily redecorated to create a sophisticated backdrop for photographs. The ladies were all fitted in their breathtaking gowns, hair styled, manicured, make up, the whole nine yards. Zach and I were also barbered, shaved, and arrayed in tuxedos.

The photographer, Terry, was excellent, he smiled often, encouraged us to relax and be happy, and captured all of us (and Delia) in our various combinations. All of the women were beautiful. But my eyes were locked on my Sallie. And she knew how I felt, I could see it in her eyes, and in her smile. I hoped Terry caught that look.

When the photographer finished, we sent him to the kitchen with a pot of coffee and sandwiches to work on the editing. I asked him, “Please don’t lose any of the images with Sallie, there’s one of her expressions I want to keep.”

Terry said, “Don’t worry, I have her, just look at this.” He spun around his laptop to show me. He got it! I thanked him profusely.

Our finery was packed away for the big day to come, and the living room was restored to its former middle-class aesthetic. Flannel blanket, fuzzy carpet, sectional sofa, and all.

Delia had an announcement. “Before I leave, I want some more pictures. Zach has explained to me the circumstances of his marriage proposal. I want to perfectly memorialize that event out behind your house. My contract with the photographer includes this. So, let’s get started.”

Delia unzipped her dress, dropped her panties and stepped free of them both.

Danielle began laughing, hugging Charlie.

Kara: “Delia, Mom, you are the very best! Here, Zach, let’s get your pants off.”

Ten minutes later, the cover was off, the jets were on, and all six of us were nude and perched on the sides of the tub in our pairs. Then there was the pose with me and Kara and Delia and Zach, “parents of the young couple.” I kept my eyes strictly focused on Kara, since Delia was around my age and very attractive.

Finally, it was over. Terry packed his camera gear and left, and we all dressed. Delia had thoughtfully arranged for a catered dinner for the seven of us to enjoy. We unboxed everything and served all the fancy food on our usual pile of mismatched plastic dishes.

We had a jolly time with Delia who loved telling stories about young Zach and his adventures. She had done a wonderful job insulating him from the moral and behavioral hazards of filthy wealth. We also learned about his father, who was so uninterested in his son that much damage was avoided on that score as well.

I think all of us felt that Delia was a great addition to our new family. And we made sure we all communicated these feelings to my new son-in-law. Before she left, Kara held Delia tightly and said, “You know my Dad raised me on his own. Zach is willing to share, will you be my mom too?”

“Kara, don’t be silly. I’m already your mom, because Zach loves you. So I love you too. Ah, yeah, OK. Good. Um, Zach, she’s crushing my ribs. Help!”